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Along with the technological revolution has come an increased ease for accomplishing many of the things which in the past took long amounts of time and/or effort. One of the most evident cases of this is in applying for credit cards. The old process would have you either approach your bank or call a credit card company about getting a card, or fill out one of those random applications in the mail (often saying you had already been approved, though that wasn't the case). Finally, you'd wait. And wait some more. In about 6 weeks if you were lucky, you'd receive the eagerly awaited response. Would you be approved? All the suspense and build-up after the long wait was finally allowed to burst free as you tore open the envelope.
As exciting as that moment may have been, aided by the interminably long wait that preceded it, the fact is that it's much more convenient nowadays. Not only do you receive responses and verdicts much quicker, there are also a variety of different card options to look into. For those having difficulty acquiring a credit card there are a variety of prepaid cards available which function just as regular credit cards, allowing them to be used online wherever their equivalent 'real' version is accepted. This can give you the benefit of purchasing things online or through other means, while also allowing you to repair or develop a credit rating that can aid you in getting a credit card with an actual line of credit down the line. Also, the plethora of companies offering cards makes it easier than ever to find a company willing to accept you, no matter how bleak you may feel your financial situation and credit report is. Before just throwing your hat into the ring with just any credit card company though, you should look around for low APR card rates. Credit card companies are notorious for having not only high interest rates, but also all sorts of other hidden fees as well. A comparison chart of many of the major credit cards and some of the smaller ones as well is available at many online review sites. In addition you may be wary about exposing your financial information online, and rightfully so. With identity theft at an all time high, and hackers getting more and more clever, exposing your financial information online puts you at a risk of identity theft. Firstly ensure that the company you're dealing with operates on a secure server, categorized by the URL starting with HTTPS and opposed to HTTP. You can also look for a security certificate on their site verifying them as protected. Finally, before you start zooming around the net using your glossy new card at every imaginable site, be sure your computer is updated with all the latest security system, and constantly run full scans on your system to ensure no key-loggers, Trojans or other viruses have such aboard, which could easily be used to steal your vital financial information, personal passwords, etc. Good luck, and enjoy your new card in safety. |
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